Biomedical subjects
Rob Herbert
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Optimisation of isometric strength training intensity.
The aim of this study was to determine the optimal intensity for isometric strength training. Isometric elbow flexor strength of 51 subjects was measured before and after a six-week training period. Subjects were randomly assigned to target training intensities between 0 and 100 per cent of a maximal voluntary contraction, and undertook supervised isometric elbow flexor training at the allocated target intensity three times each week for six weeks. Strength increases at the trained angle of the trained limb were linearly or near linearly related to training intensity, with the greatest increases in strength occurring at maximal or near-maximal intensities. These findings suggest that the optimal intensity for isometric strength training is maximal or near maximal.
Effects of ankle dorsiflexion range and pre-exercise calf muscle stretching on injury risk in Army recruits.
This study investigated effects of ankle dorsiflexion range and pre-exercise calf muscle stretching on relative risk of selected injuries in 1093 male Army recruits undertaking 12 weeks of intensive training. Prior to training, ankle dorsiflexion range was measured and recruits were allocated to stretch and control groups using a quasi-random procedure. The stretch group stretched calf muscles under supervision prior to all intense exercise. The control group stretched upper limb muscles instead. Forty-eight injuries were recorded. Survival analysis indicated that ankle dorsiflexion range was a strong predictor of injury (p = 0.03). Definitive evidence of an effect of stretching on injury risk was not found (p = 0.76), but the sample size may have been insufficient to detect such an effect.